Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reiterated his administration’s firm belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right and not a privilege, stressing that investments in the health sector must be measured by improved lives rather than financial profit.
The Governor made this assertion on Friday, December 19, during a reception held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, in honour of the medical team of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, who were in the state on a medical outreach mission.
Governor Otti explained that his administration deliberately channels significant resources into healthcare with the understanding that the returns may not be monetary but will reflect in the wellbeing and longevity of Abia citizens.
“We invest in healthcare knowing fully well that the returns may not come in Naira, Dollars, or Pounds, but in the health and lives of our people. Without health, you truly have nothing,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that the government does not subscribe to the notion that access to healthcare should be determined by one’s financial capacity, noting that his administration has taken a principled decision to prioritize the health needs of residents across the state.
Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to the Abia State Diaspora Commission, led by its Chairman, Mr. Okey Agbara, for organizing the medical mission and appealed for an extension of the outreach to reach more beneficiaries.
“If this medical mission can be extended, we will be very happy and provide all the necessary support. The impact achieved in just a few days shows what is possible with more time,” he added.
The Governor also commended the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, members of the medical team, the Commissioner for Health, and other senior government officials for their dedication to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, disclosed that the state has recorded significant milestones following the launch of key healthcare interventions earlier in the year, including free medical outreaches, health insurance expansion, and partnerships with global health organizations.
According to him, over 10,000 adults have benefited from direct medical care across Abia State, with more than 120 surgical procedures successfully carried out.
“Within just five days, countless lives have been transformed people who might not have survived are now alive and hopeful, ready to fulfill their destiny,” Prof. Uche stated.
Earlier, Mr. Okey Agbara, Chairman of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, praised Governor Otti’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive healthcare, noting that the diaspora community was motivated to support the administration’s vision.
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He revealed that the Commission promotes universal healthcare access, professional training for healthcare workers, including CPR certification, and collaboration with local health authorities to strengthen service delivery.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, the Executive Secretary of the Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, and other top government officials.